St. Peregrine Laziosi

Also known as Peregrinus Memorial 1 May Profile Born wealthy, he spent a worldly youth, and became involved in politics. Peregrine was initially strongly anti-Catholic. During a popular revolt, he struck the papal peace negotiator, Saint Philip Benizi, across the face. Saint Philip calmly turned the other cheek, prayed for the youth, and Peregine converted.

He received a vision of Our Lady who told him to go to Siena, Italy, and there to join the Servites. After training and ordination, they assigned him to his home town. He lived and worked, as much as possible, in complete silence, in solitude, and without sitting down for 30 years in an attempt to do penance for his early life. When he did speak, he was known as a fervant preacher, excellent orator, and gentle confessor. Founded a Servite house at Forli.

A victim of a spreading cancer in his foot, Peregrine was scheduled for an amputation. The night before the operation, he spent in prayer; that night received a vision of Christ who healed him with a touch. The next morning, Peregrine found his cancer completely healed. Born 1260 at Forli, Italy Died 1345 at Forli, Italy of natural causes; body incorrupt Beatified 11 September 1702 by Pope Clement XI Canonized 27 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII Patronage against cancer, AIDS sufferers, breast cancer, cancer patients, open sores, sick people, skin diseases